SAINT LEO, Fla. – It isn't over until it's over. Tied at 68 with six seconds left on the clock, Tamara Shash hit the game-winning three-pointer from the left corner pocket. Shash's clutch bucket from downtown lifted the Lions 71-68 over the Buccaneers of Barry, who were sitting second in the Sunshine State Conference while Saint Leo was fourth. The thrilling conference victory recorded the Green and Gold's sixth straight win to improve their record to 9-4 overall, 4-1 in the SSC. Meanwhile, Barry's seven-game win streak was snapped, as the Bucs took their second loss of the season with an overall record of 9-2, 4-1 in the SSC.
 
Head Coach Anthony Crocitto exclaimed, "There isn't a person that I would choose to go to war with other than Saint Leo Assistant Coach Tesh Johnson. She has worked so hard with me away and communicated like a champion. She deserves all the credit and getting this team ready for today. Her efforts with Nola Carter and EJ Harrison and our athletic trainer, Kevin Rojas, has been insurmountable.
 
Saint Leo and Barry exchanged lead changes 10 times while the game was time 13 times. The visiting Bucs held the lead for 27:04 minutes while Saint Leo pulled out the Sunshine State Conference comeback after holding the lead for 4:12 minutes.
 
Barry tallied its' largest lead of eight points in the middle of the second quarter. Saint Leo was able to cut it back down to six by the halftime break at 33-27. To open the third, the Green and Gold outscored the black and red 8-2 to level the game at 40 points apiece. The rest of the quarter went back-and-forth ending at tied ball game at 51.
 
"Our guards were very steady and handled the highs and lows very well. Alex Button took over in the third quarter and brought us back when we seemed to be falling apart."
 
The Bucs dropped back-to-back three-pointers to open the fourth to record a 6-0 run, putting the Lions behind at 57-51 after three minutes. Saint Leo was later able to answer as Tamara Shash hit her first three-pointer of the night at 4:38 followed by a good jumper by Kiki McIntyre. Shash then scored her second field goal from downtown to tie the game at 64 with 2:54 left on the clock. Shash went 3-for-6 from the hardwood, going 3-for-5 beyond the circle. With 1:22 remaining, Chiara Fusari converted both free throws to give the lead back to the Bucs. McIntyre registered her third steal of the night just in time, more specially, with 29 seconds left in the game. Ayanna Trigg drove the ball into the paint and kicked it out to Shash to sink the big bucket.
 
The usual suspects scored double figures for the Lions led by Amanda Ulrich with 20 points, Alex Button with 14, and Kiki McIntyre with 12. Tamara Shash not only registered the game-winner but earned a team-high seven rebounds off the defensive board.
 
"We came into the season believing in Tarama Shash and knowing she will be a big part of what we do. Today's efforts are a microcosm of what she's capable of. Her work ethic and her character is above all.

We have said it all year long, we are as good as our bench and on any given day can will need to be starters."
 
Saint Leo will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 5:30 p.m. to host the Tampa Spartans.
 
"We look forward to Tampa this coming Wednesday but for now we will celebrate this amazing victory for these women tonight inside the beautiful Bowman," concluded Crocitto.  
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's basketball program, be sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.